Science Camp Counselor

The Role   
Science Camp Counselors are the heartbeat of the Science Camp Program at Liberty Science  Center (LSC). Science Camp is a day camp that offers immersive STEM programming and camp activities for children in 1st through 8th grades. Science Camp Counselors will have the opportunity to assist and lead Science Camp Programs in: (1) developing fun and informative curriculum and (2) engaging with our campers at LSC through delivery of programs. Science  Camp Counselors should be passionate about STEM education and must be available for the duration of camp programs. 

Science Camp Counselors report to LSC’s Associate Director of Specialized STEM Programs.   

What You’ll Bring
You are a team player who is enthusiastic, motivated, and punctual. In addition, you possess an insatiable curiosity and willingness to explore the ever-converging worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Working with children is rewarding and enjoyable for you. As a creative thinker, you are committed to providing STEM learning that is engaging and fun. You bring learning beyond the classroom and foster meaningful connections with campers. With a friendly and calm demeanor, you help create a welcoming environment for our diverse group.  Furthermore, you feel comfortable with the “unknowns” and a certain amount of controlled chaos. In other words, you have an uber flexible spirit and easily roll with the flow of an ever-changing and sometimes unpredictable camp environment.

What You’ll Do
While Science Camp Counselors will assist with a variety of work streams, the essential  functions will include some combination of the following:

1. Assist LSC STEM Educators with delivery of programs
2. Teach and interact with campers and enhance the Science Camp experience
   
3. Role model Science Camp values to promote social-emotional learning
4. Maintain an awareness of participants' physical and emotional safety, health, and well being
5. Connect and engage with participants during classroom sessions, before care and after  care, physical activities, meals, and other aspects of camp
6. Work with participants of all ages to provide helpful, engaging, and meaningful  experiences
7. Assist with setup and breakdown of camp activities, pre-camp setup, and post-camp  breakdown
8. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

1. Commitment to Mission: Knowledge of Liberty Science Center’s mission and a deep desire to contribute to its advancement
2. Teamwork: A team player with the ability to collaborate with other camp staff
3. Out-of-Box Thinker: Ability to create fun and engaging activities for diverse audiences
4. Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; capable of achieving the necessary tone and voice for multiple audience
5. Enthusiasm: A desire to participate in high-energy activities with campers
6. Safety Management: Proactively manage risks that campers may encounter during lab activities and unstructured recreation
7. Receptive Learner: Ability to quickly absorb new information and build on newly-acquired skills

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

1. We invite applicants from a wide cross section of experiences to join as Science Camp  Counselors but are especially interested in candidates who possess some combination of  the following:
2. An interest in STEM and education; if you are pursuing a degree in education, parks and  recreation, STEM-related fields, or other relevant fields, then this is a huge plus
3. Experience working in a camp setting and/or with children is also a huge plus
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with fellow  staff members and guests in a friendly and professional manner
5. Enthusiasm and the ability to work with diverse populations are required

Classification and Schedule
Science Camp Counselor is a seasonal position, and applicants must be available to work for the duration of the summer camp from July 8th through August 16th and work Monday through Friday. You will have your weekends off! Counselors can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week.

1. The desired start date for this position is June 24th
2. The desired end date for this position is August 23rd. Ending dates may be flexible to  accommodate school schedules

This position is a non-exempt seasonal position that is not benefits-eligible. Camp Counselors are also exempt from overtime rates during the months of June, July, August, and September, according to NJ Law.

Compensation
The hourly rate for this position is $20.00 per hour. Liberty Science Center also provides perks for all eligible part-time employees, including:

1. Paid sick time
2. 25% discount for staff in the LSC store
3. 15% discount in the Cosmic Cafe
4. LSC Family Membership
5. Free Parking

​​​​Physical/Environmental Demands
This position will require the ability to work with kids which means having the ability to remain calm while moving quickly and immediately to respond to various circumstances as they arise. The environment, at times, may be noisy and very active. This role requires the ability to work inside the building (walking on concrete floors, climbing stairs, pushing or carrying equipment, etc.) and outdoors (walking on uneven ground, exposed to the elements) and to travel to off-site locations in all varieties of weather. The ability to lift 45 pounds is also required.

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
Liberty Science Center’s culture can best be described as a fun, creative, collaborative, and casual working environment. We are building a culture that is inclusive, positive, and professional and can’t wait for you to be part of our team!

Our Environment
Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful waterfront state park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Not only is Jersey City easy to get to from any points in Northern NJ and Manhattan, but it also holds the title of the most diverse city in the United States. Employees have access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. In addition, all employees have access to a terrace with stunning NYC views.

Travel
This position requires no travel.

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Liberty Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We, therefore, provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

• To find out more, visit lsc.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

Salary : $20